Riviera Maya

Whenever I return from the Riviera Maya, Mexico, I say the same thing--why go anywhere else? It has fabulous beaches, class, culture, cuisine and, trust me when I say, there's a hotel with your name on it...By the way, I'm a big baby so I'd never go anywhere that wasn't safe---just saying!

Here are my top picks:

Banyan Tree Mayakoba:

Check out this courtyard!

Mexico and Asia are joined in heaven. Spectacular 3466 sq ft private villas each with outdoor pool and jacuzzi, huge bathrooms with hand-painted double sinks (the bathrobes and slippers have the same pattern!) and outdoor tubs.

The lure: impeccable service, Banyan Tree Spa & Rainforest (request the masseuse, Chaba-she has magical hands!), their Thai restaurant, Saffron.

www.banyantree.com/en/mayakoba/

Rosewood Mayakoba:  

You are transported by boat to your suite! My view from the boat.

Oozing with elegance and sophistication, the accommodations in this all suite hotel are on the water with private plunge pools.

The lure: Agave Azul Raw Bar & Tequila Library (make sure you renew your library card for this experience!), 17,000 sq foot spa on its own private island, ping pong table!

www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba/

Grand Velas:

Their gorgeous infinity pool goes on and on and on....

You've hit the motherload with this 'all-exclusive'! They have top notch oceanfront accommodations, the cuisine is fabulous, as is the spa (why carry Essie nail polish when Chanel will do just fine, thank you very much)!

The lure: luxurious, family friendly all-inclusive that delivers.

www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com



On the beach with the DoS&M, Jennifer Guevara.

 Viceroy:

With only 41, 1700 sq ft Mayan modern or Mayan jungle suites, this uber-cool, sexy boutique hotel is the new kid on the block--I mean beach!

The lure: La Marea Restaurant with ingredients from their organic garden, shabby chic outdoor jungle spa and sweat lodge

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/rivieramaya

Zoetry Paraiso de La Bonita: Intimate, upscale all-inclusive with an emphasis on well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

The lure: Thalassotherapy spa, in-house parrot collection!

www.zoetryresorts.com/paraiso/

Permanent residents at the Zoetry



Beef Cheek and Grouper Vera Cruz - Surf & Turf!

Maroma Resort & Spa:

Authentic Mexican style hideaway smack on a glorious stretch of beach--it doesn't hurt that it's an Orient Express Hotel!

The lure: the 1900 sq ft 'Sian Nah' suites each have a private gym, spa and plunge pool.

www.maromahotel.com/

Fairmont Mayakoba: Disney meets the Amazon--for families looking for value, this can't be beat.

The lure: well appointed rooms, Fairmont’s President’s Club Loyalty Program members receive fantastic amenities instantaneously.

www.fairmont.com/mayakoba

Petit Lafitte: Dirt cheap, but delivers.

The lure: rooms and bungalows smack on the beach, friendly and helpful staff,

www.petitlafitte.com

A view of the quaint beach near Petite Lafitte



If you’re looking to go to the Riviera Maya, contact me at info@jodybear.travel

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Due to popular demand, Conde Nast has extended my exclusive travel deal to Mexico through January 31, 2012!

Don't be left out in the frio!

Click  HERE   for more details

25% off your stay a top-rated Mexican hideawayOffer extended through January 31, 2012

Ranked among the top 100 hotels and resorts in the world in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards, Capella Ixtapa is a romantic hideaway on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Its cliffside suites all have terraces with infinity-edge plunge pools overlooking the Pacific.

And this spring, a stay in those suites can be yours for 25% off the rack rates for the first 25 bookings through this promotion:

• An Oceanfront Junior Suite is $281 per night (usually $375)
• A Deluxe Oceanfront Junior Suite is $319 per night (usually $425)
• And an Oceanfront Penthouse suite is $619 per night (usually $825)

Plus, you'll also get:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
• One $100 spa credit during your stay

Note: The rates above do not include tax and service charges, which are additional.

This deal is for travel between January 3, 2012, and April 30, 2012. These special rates are available only when booking through Jody Bear of Bear&Bear Travel, for the first 25 people to book. Remember to mention that you saw it on Condé Nast Traveler’s Facebook page to get the discount.